NBA governors green-light expansion study, but some owners voice financial concerns
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The NBA’s 30 team governors voted this week to begin a formal study on adding franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas, but not every owner is convinced the move makes economic sense, according to reporting by Howard Beck of The Ringer.
Beck writes that two or three governors are uneasy about the projected finances of a 32-team league. Several front-office executives share that skepticism, arguing the initiative is being driven primarily by expansion fees rather than basketball considerations.
“Is (expansion) good? I would say no,” an executive from a current playoff team told Beck. “Some teams already have one, if not two, players who shouldn’t be in the NBA. There should be concern about dilution of talent. The two new teams are going to be really bad for a while. Add to it that good players are staying in college for the paydays they are getting (via NIL), and there is even less talent available.”
The study allows the league to walk away if the numbers do not meet expectations. Owners are said to be comfortable if expansion fees reach the $8 billion to $10 billion range for the two clubs but could cool on the idea if bids come in closer to $5 billion. Beck also raises the possibility that a deep-pocketed group from another city could jump the line if it submits a significantly higher offer, though one executive predicted Seattle and Las Vegas would outperform “some markets we already have.”
Draft and college hoops updates
• With Sweet 16 games hours away, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic detailed how the NCAA tournament has shifted his view of several top prospects. Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report released an updated 2026 mock draft, while Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports and Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints each highlighted one player from every region they will monitor on Thursday and Friday.
Coaching recognition
• Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports unveiled an “All-Coaching Team” to supplement the league’s lone Coach of the Year award. The list is headlined by J.B. Bickerstaff (Pistons), Mitch Johnson (Spurs), and Joe Mazzulla (Celtics).
All-Surprise selections
• Fred Katz of The Athletic named the 10 players on his All-Surprise first and second teams. The first unit features Pistons center Jalen Duren, Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Cavaliers wing Jaylon Tyson, Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell, and Celtics center Neemias Queta.
The league has not set a timeline for completing the expansion study.
Source: Hoops Rumors
